5 Ways to Get Out of a Creative Slump
We’ve all been there. The pieces you’re making feel off somehow, your scraping at the bottom of the inspiration barrel and nothing seems to be working anymore. Well despair no more, for I have found 5 ways to tackle that blocked feeling and get back to your A game!
- INDULGE – You know that thing that you’ve been meaning to do for fun but never got around to it? Now’s your chance to get around to it! Got an itch for Naruto fan art or a nostalgic pop beat? Go for it! We tend to forget the reason why we became creators in the first place, and sometimes, giving in to these passion projects can be the comfort food our creative souls need to flourish once more.
- CHANGE – Change is often the greatest catalyst for our lives. Sometimes, it is unwanted and other times cherished. Here, we want to use change to jump start our creative juices. Change up your style – perhaps try impressionism if you typically prefer realism. Are you an avid watercolourist? Maybe a switch to acrylics will give you the boost you need. Mix it up and see how you go!
- STOP – Relax. Take a break. Walk away from it all for a while. How long you ask? As long as you need. Be it five minutes or five months, taking a moment to get a fresh perspective. Look at the project with new eyes and revitalised senses and you’ll be better for it.
- ROUTINE – Routines create habits and you can make your creative outlet something that does not sit around, waiting for inspiration to strike. Draw something at the same time everyday or create a habit where you work on your project after your morning coffee. The more you push through with consistent work, the easier it is to develop a creative workflow.
- LIMIT – One of my favourite bands of all time is The White Stripes. Why? Because the limited number of musicians means they have to think outside the box to make their sound unique and enjoyable. You can do that too! By limiting the tools you use or restricting the themes/subjects that you pursue, you essentially have to force your mind to discover new techniques. Imagine painting with only one colour or setting a deadline to finish your project within a week. It may seem extreme but I’ve found that some of my best work has been produced in this limited and almost desperate struggle to create.
